Best Campgrounds near Carroll, OH

Central Ohio's landscape surrounding Carroll hosts several established campgrounds ranging from basic to well-equipped facilities. Jackson Lake Park, located within 10 miles of Carroll, provides 199 campsites accommodating tents, RVs, and cabin rentals, while A.W. Marion State Park Campground offers more primitive camping experiences with fewer amenities but a natural setting. The region includes additional options like Geneva Hills Camp and Event Center with glamping and yurt opportunities, and several state parks within a short drive that support various camping styles from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV locations.

Most campgrounds in the Carroll area operate seasonally, typically from April through October, with A.W. Marion State Park open from early April to late October and Campbell Cove Camping available from May 1 to October 15. Electric hookups are common at developed campgrounds, though primitive tent-only areas exist at locations like Scioto-Grove Metro Park. Bathroom facilities vary significantly across locations, with some offering only vault toilets while others provide full shower facilities. A recent review noted: "The bathrooms were the most disgusting thing ever! There was actually a sign that said ecoli was found in one of the bathrooms."

Campers report high satisfaction with water features at many of the area's campgrounds. Jackson Lake Park offers a swimming area and recreational lake activities that appeal to families with children. "The little lake was so much fun. My children were upset we had to leave early due to the storm coming in," wrote one visitor. Hiking trails are available at several locations, particularly at A.W. Marion State Park where a 5-mile trail circles Hargus Lake. Campground size varies considerably throughout the region, with some offering a more intimate experience while others like Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA provide a larger, more developed camping environment. Many campgrounds in the area balance proximity to Columbus with a natural retreat setting, making them popular weekend destinations for city residents.

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Best Camping Sites Near Carroll, Ohio (108)

    1. A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Circleville, OH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 869-3124

    $21 - $25 / night

    "They had a scavenger hunt which made us really experience the nature around us, going through the woods off trail, going to the lakeside, walking around looking for different things on a list."

    "October weekends in Ohio State Park campgrounds are super popular so we weren’t able to make a reservation here. "

    2. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    27 miles
    Website

    $29 - $46 / night

    "There are lots of caves, trails, camping options and activities in the area. Be careful, however, every year someone is injured or dies going off trail, often falling from a cliff."

    "If you stay away from the main roads, you might feel like you're in a smaller campground."

    3. Jackson Lake Park

    7 Reviews
    Lithopolis, OH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (614) 837-2656

    $40 - $139 / night

    "As a moto camper, we really lucked out with a flat plot and didn’t have anyone in the spots next to us. My #1 complaint was the bathroom situation."

    "Easy access to sites. Staff could take a lesson in hospitality and giving directions on park."

    4. Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA

    12 Reviews
    Heath, OH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 928-0706

    "Then outside is the picnic table.  Due to health code rules you have to cook and do food outside of the cabin.  "

    "Not as close to the lake as we first thought but close enough. Will probably be back."

    5. Alum Creek State Park Campground

    80 Reviews
    Lewis Center, OH
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 548-4039

    "Happened to be next to the park host. No choice of where to locate my large tent.  Showers/bathrooms were OK--older facilities.  "

    "First off we have to say that Ohio State Park campgrounds are some of the best we’ve ever stayed in."

    6. Campbell Cove Camping

    17 Reviews
    Logan, OH
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-2994

    "This is a very nice campground near all of the attractions of Hocking Hills, Ohio. We had full hookups that were excellent, but if we didn't there were several new restrooms throughout the grounds."

    "Our site was waterfront and also set away from other sites."

    7. Scioto-Grove Metro Park

    8 Reviews
    Grove City, OH
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (614) 949-1078

    "No driving your vehicle any further than the bottom of the hill. Great location, very beautiful. Spacious in between 5 campgrounds and right next to the Scioto River."

    "Got lucky and found an opening for site 5 which was right on river and away from the busier parts of park - didn’t see a single person. Nice tent pads, campfire ring, and provided wood."

    8. Hocking Hills Camping & Canoe

    8 Reviews
    Rockbridge, OH
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-9764

    "River right next to us and port a potty near. Allows dogs. Showers are at the check in but they are nice."

    "Walked 8 miles with our dog and still have so much left to see. Will definitely be going back! Very quiet and clean campgrounds."

    9. Geneva Hills - Camp and Event Center

    2 Reviews
    Rockbridge, OH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 746-8439

    $35 - $600 / night

    "It was a nice driving distance from Hocking Hills and a neat place to camp."

    10. Big Sycamore Family Campground

    8 Reviews
    Rockbridge, OH
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-7120

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Located within a short drive (about 10 miles/15 minutes) from everything Hocking Hills has to offer. There is even a restaurant close by that will deliver to your campsite."

    "Nice little campground right down the road from Lake Logan. Convenient to shopping nearby(Walmart and Kroger) About 10 miles from the caves and trails. Right off the highway. Good cheap firewood."

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Recent Reviews near Carroll, OH

750 Reviews of 108 Carroll Campgrounds


  • J
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Delaware State Park Campground

    Great peaceful campground

    This is our second time coming here really enjoy this place it's typically more of a quiet relaxed camp there is a playground in each of the 4 sections for kids to play with a remodel shower house at each one. Att works good here verizion not so much but at night when people are sleeping verizion gets a little better.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Alum Creek State Park Campground

    Nice park but some traffic noise

    Spent three nights here while we were visiting friends in Lewis Center. We stayed in F09 and it was a great spot. Lots of protection on both sides so it was very secluded. And close to the shower house. Only reason I didn’t give this five stars was there was still quite a bit of traffic noise around the park that you could hear. Some nice hiking trails as well. Campsite was nice and level. Showers were super clean and awesome water pressure.

  • Alex A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Baileys Trail Tent Camping

    Peaceful Stay

    Wonderful little location. We drove for about 3 hours to get from where we are. Nice wide open space surrounded by woods. There were other campers but very friendly and had plenty of space to ourselves. Very nice bathroom/shower compared to what we expected. Will visit again.

  • Joe B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Campbell Cove Camping

    Nice campground

    We stayed at site 63 , on the water. Big site, water view and plenty of space. The road across the lake has an uphill section and people like to race up it. Trucks, motorcycles and cars. Really loud. I know the campground doesn’t control the road, so it’s just a note about the noise. The site is amazing, and I would come back.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Cross Creek Camping Resort

    A Very Pleasant and Quiet Campground

    This campground is clean and we'll maintained. They have a pool, and activities on the weekends. Must sure have a tree and grass with fire pits and a table.

  • Reb S.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    Horrible

    Really disgusted with out last stay here. We ended up next to some tent campers who were homeless which isn't the issue because things in life happen it was the way they acted that just grossed me out. I spent the first few days listening to them arguing and fighting amongst each other about their welfare checks being spent on their cigarettes beer and weed. They had 2 kids one that was autistic that they called a retard the other one they called stupid and it was just heartbreaking. I ended up having to go inside my camper and turning my ac on to escape their screaming and yelling and fighting that went into the midnight hour. My dog has a heart murmur and it made him anxious. I felt like I was camping in the bottoms of Columbus Ohio. The camp host said they are there all the time which is disturbing that they condone this behavior and makes me question the integrity of this location. Luckily after contacting ODNR we were able to move to a location far from them and given a gift card for our troubles. This was after they moved their camp stuff practically across the front bumper of my 100,000 RV. My husband and I pay way to much for our RV and for our stays to put up with this trash. We'd be hard pressed to come back here and be exposed to this kind of drama again.

  • Jenny C.
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Alum Creek State Park Campground

    Family Fun For Everyone!

    We had an absolute blast at the campsite! We stayed in L and the kids loved being close to the water. The campground beach is an absolute must and we even got close to wildlife (aka some pesky raccoons). We love that electric is included and was helpful for plugging in fans during the hot night.

  • Andrea H.
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Dillon State Park Campground

    Campground is quiet

    My partner and I have been here for 3 days , were staying for a week. So far everyone has been friendly or keeps to themselves. The bathrooms and showers are clean and the deer are plentiful and beautiful


Guide to Carroll

The topography around Carroll, Ohio features gently rolling hills and wooded areas with elevations ranging between 800-1,000 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with camping typically most comfortable during spring and fall when temperatures average between 50-75°F. The area's limestone and sandstone geology creates unique water features found at many local campgrounds.

What to do

Hiking trails year-round: The 5-mile trail at A.W. Marion State Park Campground circles Hargus Lake and remains accessible during winter months. "A cold but sunny weekend in February at site #32. No other campers there for the weekend, but a lot of foot traffic," notes one visitor who appreciated the off-season solitude.

Water activities for all ages: Jackson Lake Park offers a swimming pond with inflatables during summer months plus fishing opportunities. A camper mentioned that "My wife and I spent Labor Day weekend here as it was close to Columbus and allowed family to come spend a night or two."

Mountain biking access: Several campgrounds connect to dedicated biking trails, particularly around Alum Creek State Park Campground. "There is a great mountain biking trail in the vicinity," notes one reviewer who enjoyed combining camping with trail riding.

What campers like

Clean bathroom facilities: Many campers note the variation in bathroom quality across locations. At Campbell Cove Camping, visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities: "The bathroom facilities were some of the nicest and cleanest we've experienced."

Spacious, private sites: Site layout varies significantly between campgrounds. "The sites are spacious and private, surrounded by trees and brush," reports a camper at Alum Creek State Park Campground, mentioning the natural separation between camping areas.

Proximity to Columbus: Many campsites serve as weekend retreats for urban residents. "AW Marion is near 23 and easy access to the highway to get to Columbus. Plenty of space and shade in not electrical campsite for a hot summer day," explains one reviewer who appreciated the convenient location.

What you should know

Seasonal operations vary by location: While most campgrounds operate April through October, specific opening dates differ. "Only weekend stays and it ends in wintertime," notes a camper about Scioto-Grove Metro Park, which has more limited availability than other area campgrounds.

Reservation requirements: Many popular campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "Reservations only, most sites are level and spacious," mentions a visitor to Hocking Hills State Park Campground.

Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise despite natural settings. A Big Sycamore Family Campground visitor noted: "The only downside is that it is close to a highway so at night you can hear the traffic."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA offers multiple child-friendly amenities. "Tons of stuff for kids, they had a blast! Great atmosphere, friendly staff," reports one family, noting the campground's focus on activities for younger visitors.

Water features for children: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas designed with families in mind. At Campbell Cove Camping, "There is a great playground for kids and a swimming hole. The bathrooms are so clean. You can kayak on the lake and they do have rentals."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Carroll, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, Carroll, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 108 campgrounds and RV parks near Carroll, OH and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Carroll, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carroll, OH is A.W. Marion State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 33 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Carroll, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Carroll, OH.

What parks are near Carroll, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Carroll, OH that allow camping, notably Alum Creek Lake and Deer Creek Lake.